Chapter 55 held the rules for drivers of for-hire vehicles (car services, black cars, limousines and app-based rides): licensing, traffic safety, refusals, street-hail ban, items required in the vehicle and penalty point programs. It replaced the driver parts of old Chapter 6 in April 2011 and was repealed on October 26, 2016, when Chapter 80 combined all driver rules. Many section numbers carried over (55-13 → 80-13; 55-23 items-in-vehicle → 80-24).
Did not take a drug test ordered by the TLC for cause
If the TLC reasonably suspected a for-hire driver had used drugs that made them unsafe to drive, it could order a drug test at the driver's cost from an approved provider, and the driver had to comply. Not testing when ordered is this violation. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-14(c).
Replaced by §80-14(c)
Fine (published)
Suspension until compliance or revocation of license. Appearance not required.
§55-14(D)(1)Old rule — replaced by 80-14(D)3 charges · 2013
Did not take the required annual drug test
Every for-hire driver (except NYC police officers) had to take a drug test once a year at their own cost, within a set window before the license anniversary. A driver who missed the deadline faced license suspension until tested. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-14(d).
Summary suspension until compliance or revocation; $200 if compliance is more than 30 days after the deadline (penalty box for §55-14(d)(1)&(2)). Appearance not required.
§55-14(E)Old rule — replaced by 80-14(e)18 charges · 2013–2017
Failed a TLC drug test
A for-hire driver must pass every drug test, whether annual or ordered for cause. If a result was positive, or the sample could not be tested, the TLC could revoke the license after a hearing. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-14(e).
Replaced by §80-14(e)
Fine (published)
License may be revoked after a hearing. Appearance not required.
§55-14(F)(2)Old rule — replaced by 80-13(b)(2)3 charges · 2016
Driving-while-injured rule: return of license after workers' comp
Rule 55-14(f) said a driver who files for workers' compensation for an injury that keeps them from driving must stop driving and hand in their license. Paragraph (2) says the TLC returns the license once the driver shows the benefits stopped because they recovered. A charge here usually means driving while still claiming the injury. Former Chapter 55 rule (for-hire drivers, April 2011 – Oct 25, 2016). Today see 80-13(b).
Replaced by §80-13(b)(2)
Fine (published)
$75–$150 (penalty box for §55-14(f)). Appearance required.
§55-14(G)Old rule — replaced by 80-14(g)2 charges · 2015
Phone or electronic device rule (paragraph not specified)
Rule 55-14(g) barred a for-hire driver from using a phone or other electronic communication device while driving; use was allowed only when the car was lawfully stopped or parked. A conviction also required a Distracted Driving Course within 60 days. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-14(g).
§55-14(G)(1)Old rule — replaced by 80-14(G)(1)22,597 charges · 2011–2018
Used a phone or electronic device while driving
A for-hire driver must not use a phone or other electronic communication device while driving. It is allowed only when the vehicle is lawfully standing or parked. A driver may defend by proving the call was to 911-type emergency services about an immediate threat and they could not safely stop. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-14(g)(1).
$250 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $350 if found guilty after a hearing, plus a Distracted Driving Course within 60 days (license suspended until done). Appearance not required. 2011 text: $200 and a suspension deferred 60 days and avoided by completing the course.
Points
3 for the first and second offense in 15 months; 4 for the third
Used a phone or electronic device while driving — another spelling of §55-14(G)(1) (Used a phone or electronic device while driving).
§55-14(G)(2)Old rule — replaced by 80-14(g)(2)2 charges
Did not complete the Distracted Driving Course after a phone violation
A for-hire driver convicted of using a phone while driving also had to finish a Distracted Driving Course within 60 days of the conviction and show proof. If not, the license was suspended until the course was done. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-14(g)(2).
Replaced by §80-14(g)(2)
Fine (published)
Suspension until compliance if the course is not completed within 60 days of conviction.
General operating rule for for-hire drivers (section not specified)
Section 55-15 held general rules for operating a for-hire vehicle: no weapons, neat appearance, no smoking, no overcharging or asking for tips, front-seat and luggage help, parking and behavior at the base, and no forced ride-sharing. The summons cites the section without the subdivision. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today most of these are in 80-15 to 80-17.
§55-15(A)Old rule — replaced by 80-15(A)14 charges · 2013–2017
Had a weapon in the for-hire vehicle
While driving a for-hire vehicle, a driver must not have a weapon on them or in the car, or anything meant to be used as a weapon, without the TLC Chair's written permission. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-15(a).
A for-hire driver had to be clean and neat in dress and person and present a professional appearance. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Chapter 80's operating rules do not carry this exact rule.
Driver not neat and clean (paragraph number not in the rule)
Rule 55-15(b) required for-hire drivers to be clean and neat and look professional. It had no paragraph (1), so this code most likely means 55-15(b) itself. Former Chapter 55 rule (for-hire drivers, April 2011 – Oct 25, 2016).
§55-15(C)Old rule — replaced by 80-15(B)3,441 charges · 2012–2017
Smoked in the for-hire vehicle
A for-hire driver must not smoke inside the for-hire vehicle, whether or not passengers are on board. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-15(b).
§55-15(D)Code we couldn't match exactly4 charges · 2014
Reserved slot in for-hire driver rules ("No Locking Rear Doors")
In Chapter 55, subdivision 55-15(d) was left empty ("Reserved. No Locking Rear Doors"), so no for-hire driver rule was written there. The same letter in Chapter 54 (taxi and green-cab drivers) covered locking passenger doors, and the TLC's later Chapter 80 rule 80-15(c) bars locking rear doors on duty. The officer may have meant a different rule or mistyped the code. Former Chapter 55 rule (for-hire drivers, April 2011 – Oct 25, 2016).
§55-15(E)Code we couldn't match exactly93 charges · 2013–2016
Reserved slot in for-hire driver rules (55-15(e))
In Chapter 55, subdivision 55-15(e) was left empty ("Reserved"), so no for-hire driver rule was written there. The same letter in Chapter 54 was also reserved. The officer may have meant a different rule or mistyped the code. Former Chapter 55 rule (for-hire drivers, April 2011 – Oct 25, 2016).
§55-15(G)Old rule — replaced by 80-17(A)(2)162 charges · 2013–2016
Overcharged a passenger or asked for a tip
A for-hire driver must not charge, or try to charge, more than the price quoted by the base or dispatcher, or add any charge for a person with a disability, their service animal or wheelchair. Drivers also must not ask or require a passenger to tip. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-17(a).
§55-15(G)(1)Old rule — replaced by 80-17(A)(2)211 charges · 2013–2017
Charged more than the fare quoted by the base
Paragraph (1) of the overcharge rule: a for-hire driver must not charge, or try to charge, more than the pre-approved price quoted by the dispatcher (or dispatch service provider), and must not add any charge for a person with a disability, a service animal, or a wheelchair or other mobility aid. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-17(a)(2)–(3).
§55-15(G)(2)Old rule — replaced by 80-17(A)(6)38 charges · 2015–2016
Asked or required a passenger to tip
Paragraph (2) of the overcharge rule: no for-hire driver may ask or require a passenger to tip. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-17(a)(6).
§55-15(H)Code we couldn't match exactly2 charges · 2013
Reserved slot in for-hire driver rules ("Non-Paying Customers")
In Chapter 55, subdivision 55-15(h) was left empty ("Reserved. Non-Paying Customers"), so no for-hire driver rule was written there. The same letter in Chapter 54 (taxi and green-cab drivers) dealt with front-seat use; non-paying-customer rules applied only to taxis and green cabs. The officer may have meant a different rule or mistyped the code. Former Chapter 55 rule (for-hire drivers, April 2011 – Oct 25, 2016).
§55-15(J)(1)Old rule — replaced by 80-15(F)(2)31 charges · 2013–2015
Did not let a passenger who can't use the back seat sit in front
A for-hire driver must let a passenger who cannot get into or ride in the rear seat sit in the front seat next to the driver. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-15(f)(2).
§55-15(K)Old rule — replaced by 80-16(C)13 charges · 2015–2016
Did not load or unload a passenger's luggage or wheelchair
When a passenger asked, a for-hire driver had to load or unload their luggage, wheelchair, crutches or other property into or out of the car or trunk, and close the trunk securely. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-16(c).
Reserved slot in for-hire driver rules ("No Property")
In Chapter 55, subdivision 55-15(l) was left empty ("Reserved. No Property"), so no for-hire driver rule was written there. In Chapter 54 (taxi and green-cab drivers), subdivision (l) was the courtesy rule, and a separate rule barred carrying property only. The for-hire courtesy rule was 55-12(k). The officer may have meant a different rule or mistyped the code. Former Chapter 55 rule (for-hire drivers, April 2011 – Oct 25, 2016).
§55-15(O)(1)Old rule — replaced by 80-15(J)3 charges · 2013
Livery driver did not use the base's off-street parking
While stopped at their affiliated base, a livery (community car service) driver had to use the off-street parking the base owner provides and obey all traffic and parking rules, rather than parking on the street outside the base. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-15(j).
Black car or limo driver broke parking rules at the base
While stopped at their affiliated base, a black car or luxury limousine driver had to obey all traffic and parking regulations. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Chapter 80 keeps the base-parking rule only for livery drivers (80-15(j)); general parking violations fall under 80-13(a)(1).
§55-15(P)(1)Old rule — replaced by 80-15(k)(1)7 charges · 2014–2015
Littering while stopped at the base
While stopped at the base their vehicle is affiliated with, a for-hire driver must not create a nuisance; paragraph (1) names littering. These rules protect the base's neighbors. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-15(k)(1).
Replaced by §80-15(k)(1)
Fine (published)
$50 (penalty box for §55-15(p)). Appearance not required.
§55-15(P)(2)Old rule — replaced by 80-15(k)(2)3 charges
Playing loud audio while stopped at the base
While stopped at their affiliated base, a for-hire driver must not create a nuisance; paragraph (2) names playing loud audio. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-15(k)(2).
Replaced by §80-15(k)(2)
Fine (published)
$50 (penalty box for §55-15(p)). Appearance not required.
§55-15(P)(3)Old rule — replaced by 80-15(k)(3)5 charges · 2016
Honking the horn while stopped at the base
While stopped at their affiliated base, a for-hire driver must not create a nuisance; paragraph (3) names horn honking. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-15(k)(3).
Replaced by §80-15(k)(3)
Fine (published)
$50 (penalty box for §55-15(p)). Appearance not required.
§55-15(Q)Old rule — replaced by 80-19(C)(3)61 charges · 2013–2015
Required a passenger to share the ride
A for-hire driver must not require a prospective passenger to share the ride with another passenger. Shared rides had to be the passenger's choice. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-19(c)(3).
Reserved slot in for-hire driver passenger-request rules (55-16(a))
In Chapter 55, subdivision 55-16(a) was left empty ("Reserved. Shortest Route Absent Reasonable Passenger Request"), so there was no for-hire driver rule with that letter. The matching taxi-driver rule in Chapter 54 covered this subject, and Chapter 80 now applies it to all drivers as 80-16(a). The officer may have meant that rule or mistyped the code. Former Chapter 55 rule (for-hire drivers, April 2011 – Oct 25, 2016).
Reserved slot in for-hire driver passenger-request rules (55-16(b))
In Chapter 55, subdivision 55-16(b) was left empty ("Reserved. Request to Change Destination or Terminate"), so there was no for-hire driver rule with that letter. The matching taxi-driver rule in Chapter 54 covered this subject, and Chapter 80 now applies it to all drivers as 80-16(b). The officer may have meant that rule or mistyped the code. Former Chapter 55 rule (for-hire drivers, April 2011 – Oct 25, 2016).
Reserved slot in for-hire driver passenger-request rules (55-16(c))
In Chapter 55, subdivision 55-16(c) was left empty ("Reserved. Request for Driver's Name, License Number"), so there was no for-hire driver rule with that letter. The matching taxi-driver rule in Chapter 54 covered this subject, and Chapter 80 now applies it to all drivers as 80-16(g). The officer may have meant that rule or mistyped the code. Former Chapter 55 rule (for-hire drivers, April 2011 – Oct 25, 2016).
§55-16(E)Old rule — replaced by 80-16(e)13 charges · 2013–2014
Did not follow passenger's requests about the radio or audio
A for-hire driver had to turn audio equipment on or off when a passenger asked, let the passenger choose what is played, and keep any audio at normal volume within noise laws, even with no passenger. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-16(e).
§55-16(E)(1)Old rule — replaced by 80-16(E)(1)30 charges · 2013–2016
Did not turn the radio on or off when the passenger asked
Paragraph (1) of the audio rule: all audio equipment the driver controls must be turned on or off at the passenger's request. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-16(e)(1).
§55-16(E)(2)Old rule — replaced by 80-16(E)(2)3 charges · 2013
Did not let the passenger choose what was played
Paragraph (2) of the audio rule: the passenger has the right to choose what is played on the vehicle's audio equipment. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-16(e)(2).
§55-16(E)(3)Old rule — replaced by 80-16(E)(3)11 charges · 2013–2016
Played audio too loud in the for-hire vehicle
Paragraph (3) of the audio rule: whether or not the car is carrying a passenger, any audio must be played at normal volume and follow all noise laws. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-16(e)(3).
§55-16(F)Old rule — replaced by 80-16(F)40 charges · 2013–2016
Did not adjust heat or air conditioning when asked
A for-hire driver had to turn the heat or air conditioning on or off when the passenger asked. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-16(f).
§55-19Old rule — replaced by 80-19(C)(1)30 charges · 2013–2014
Passenger solicitation rule for for-hire drivers (section not specified)
Section 55-19 limited how for-hire drivers could get passengers: only by prearrangement through a licensed base (no street hails), never at taxi stands, and later no accepting dispatches while at JFK or LaGuardia pickup areas. The summons cites the section without the subdivision. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today these rules are in 80-19(c), (d) and (f).
§55-19(A)Old rule — replaced by 80-19(C)(1)49,395 charges · 2011–2018
For-hire driver picked up a street hail (no prearrangement)
A for-hire driver (black car, livery or limo) must not solicit or pick up passengers except by prearrangement through a licensed base, or by dispatch of an accessible vehicle. Taking street hails or offering rides at airports was the most common charge here. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-19(c)(1); Manhattan-core and airport pickups are 80-19(c)(2).
Feb 2014 text: first violation $500; second within 24 months $1,500; third within 36 months: revocation. 2011 text: $350, $500, then revocation. Appearance required. In mid-2016 the rule split into (a)(1) and (a)(2) with higher amounts for the Manhattan core and airports.
§55-19(A)(1)Old rule — replaced by 80-19(C)(1)794 charges · 2016–2017
Picked up a passenger without prearrangement (2016 version of the rule)
From mid-2016, 55-19(a)(1) said a for-hire driver, other than a green-cab (street hail livery) driver, must not solicit or pick up passengers except by prearrangement through a licensed base of the right class or a dispatch service provider, or by dispatch of an accessible vehicle. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-19(c)(1).
§55-19(A)(2)Old rule — replaced by 80-19(C)(2)2,727 charges · 2016–2018
Street hail pickup in Manhattan core or at an airport (higher penalty)
From mid-2016, 55-19(a)(2) set higher penalties when a for-hire driver took a street hail (no prearranged trip) in the Hail Exclusionary Zone: Manhattan south of East 96th and West 110th Streets, or at the NYC airports. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-19(c)(2).
$2,000 for the first violation; $4,000 for the second within 24 months; $10,000 and revocation for the third within 120 months. Appearance required (final 2016 text).
§55-19(B)Old rule — replaced by 80-19(D)(2)95 charges · 2011–2016
For-hire driver picked up a passenger at a taxi stand
A for-hire driver must not pick up a passenger at an authorized taxi stand, which is reserved for yellow taxis (and later green cabs). This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-19(d)(2).
§55-19(C)Old rule — replaced by 80-19(F)65 charges · 2016
Accepted a dispatch while at JFK or LaGuardia pickup areas
A for-hire driver must not accept a dispatch while parked or otherwise at JFK or LaGuardia, unless parked somewhere other than the airport's designated passenger pickup areas. The rule stops for-hire cars from waiting at the curb for app or base calls. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-19(f).
Refusing passengers rule for for-hire drivers (section not specified)
Section 55-20 barred dispatched for-hire drivers from refusing trips (to NYC, Westchester, Nassau or Newark Airport) and from refusing passengers with disabilities, service animals, wheelchairs or luggage. The summons cites the section without the subdivision. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-20.
§55-20(A)(1)Old rule — replaced by 80-20(A)(1)482 charges · 2013–2017
Dispatched driver refused a prearranged trip
A for-hire driver who has been dispatched must not refuse, by words, gestures, cancelling the dispatch or any other means, to take a passenger who prearranged a trip to a destination in New York City, Westchester, Nassau or Newark Airport. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-20(a)(1).
§55-20(A)(2)Old rule — replaced by 80-20(A)(1)61 charges · 2013–2016
Dispatched driver refused a person with a disability or service animal
A for-hire driver who has been dispatched must not refuse, by words, gestures or any other means, to transport a person with a disability or the service animal with them. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-20(a)(1).
§55-20(A)(3)Old rule — replaced by 80-20(A)(1)26 charges · 2013–2016
Refused to transport a person with a disability or guide dog
A for-hire driver must not refuse to transport any person with a disability or the guide dog with them. This rule carried one of the heaviest penalties in Chapter 55. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today refusals are covered by 80-20(a)(1).
§55-21(A)(3)Old rule — replaced by 80-21(A)(3)15 charges · 2013
Out-of-town driver did not show or post chauffeur's license
Drivers licensed by a "qualified jurisdiction" (such as Westchester or Nassau) could work trips into NYC without a TLC license if they met conditions. One was that, while in the city, their valid chauffeur's license had to be shown on request or posted in the vehicle. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-21(a)(3).
§55-21(A)(4)Old rule — replaced by 80-21(a)(4)3 charges · 2013
Out-of-town driver did not keep the required trip record
A driver from a qualified jurisdiction working in NYC under reciprocity had to keep and complete a written trip record for each trip (passenger, pickup time and place, stops, destination, end time) and keep it in the vehicle. Failing to show one is treated as evidence of unlicensed activity. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-21(a)(4).
Rule 55-21(b)(2) allowed a qualified-jurisdiction driver to pick up passengers in NYC only for travel to the driver's own jurisdiction. A charge citing it likely means the trip did not fit that allowance (for example a trip wholly inside NYC, which 55-21(c) forbade and 55-21(d) treated as unlicensed activity). This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today see 80-21(b)(2).
§55-22(A)Code we couldn't match exactly3 charges · 2013
Reserved slot in for-hire driver rules ("3-Minute Idle")
In Chapter 55, subdivision 55-22(a) was left empty ("Reserved. 3-Minute Idle"), so there was no for-hire driver rule with that letter. The taxi-driver rule with the same letter in Chapter 54 covered this subject (idling more than three minutes, under the city's air pollution code). The officer may have meant that rule or mistyped the code. Former Chapter 55 rule (for-hire drivers, April 2011 – Oct 25, 2016).
§55-22(B)Code we couldn't match exactly14 charges · 2014–2016
Reserved slot in for-hire driver rules ("Inspect Condition")
In Chapter 55, subdivision 55-22(b) was left empty ("Reserved. Inspect Condition"), so there was no for-hire driver rule with that letter. The taxi-driver rule with the same letter in Chapter 54 covered this subject, and Chapter 80 now applies it to all drivers as 80-22(b) (checking the vehicle's condition). The officer may have meant that rule or mistyped the code. Former Chapter 55 rule (for-hire drivers, April 2011 – Oct 25, 2016).
§55-22(D)Old rule — replaced by 80-22(C)63 charges · 2013–2016
Vehicle interior not clean
During their shift, a for-hire driver had to keep the vehicle's interior clean and free of odors. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-22(c).
Reserved slot in for-hire driver rules ("Exterior Clean and Identification Visible")
In Chapter 55, subdivision 55-22(e) was left empty ("Reserved. Exterior Clean and Identification Visible"), so there was no for-hire driver rule with that letter. The taxi-driver rule with the same letter in Chapter 54 covered this subject, and Chapter 80 now applies it to all drivers as 80-22(d) (keeping required exterior markings clean and visible). The officer may have meant that rule or mistyped the code. Former Chapter 55 rule (for-hire drivers, April 2011 – Oct 25, 2016).
§55-22(F)Old rule — replaced by 80-22(H)4 charges · 2014
Used unauthorized electronic devices for dispatch
In its later versions, 55-22(f) let a for-hire driver use only one or two extra dispatch devices (depending on the base's equipment), mounted in a fixed position, not hand-held, and used only by voice or one-touch buttons while moving. Using devices outside these limits is this charge. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-22(h).
§55-23Old rule — replaced by 80-24(a)3 charges · 2013
Required documents missing from the for-hire vehicle (section not specified)
Section 55-23 listed what a for-hire vehicle must carry: registration and insurance card, the driver's TLC license (and earlier the vehicle license) in a holder behind the driver's seat, a trip record for out-of-town trips, and a clear passenger view of the licenses. The summons cites the section only. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today see 80-24.
Driver's TLC license not displayed behind the driver's seat — another spelling of §55-23(A)(2)(I) (Driver's TLC license not displayed behind the driver's seat).
§55-23(A)Old rule — replaced by 80-24(a)24 charges · 2013–2015
Required licenses or papers missing from the for-hire vehicle
A for-hire driver must not drive without the required papers: the registration and insurance card on the right visor, dashboard or glove box, and the TLC driver license (and, before 2016, the vehicle license) in a protective holder behind the driver's seat, or visible to passengers in black cars and limos. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-24(a).
Replaced by §80-24(a)
Fine (published)
$100 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $150 if found guilty after a hearing (Feb 2014 and final text, penalty box for §55-23(a)(1)-(3)). Appearance not required. 2011 text: $50 per violation, at most $100, 2 points, appearance required.
Points
2 in the 2011 and Feb 2014 texts; the final 2016 text lists no points
§55-23(A)(1)Old rule — replaced by 80-24(A)(1)78 charges · 2013–2015
Registration or insurance card not kept in the vehicle
A for-hire driver must keep the vehicle's registration certificate and insurance card (or legible copies) on the right visor, on top of the right side of the dashboard, or in the glove compartment. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-24(a)(1).
$100 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $150 if found guilty after a hearing (Feb 2014 and final text, penalty box for §55-23(a)(1)-(3)). Appearance not required. 2011 text: $50 per violation, at most $100, 2 points, appearance required.
Points
2 in the 2011 and Feb 2014 texts; the final 2016 text lists no points
§55-23(A)(1)(I)Old rule — replaced by 80-24(A)(1)(I)254 charges · 2013–2016
Vehicle registration not in the vehicle
The for-hire vehicle's certificate of registration (or a legible copy) must be kept on the right visor, on top of the right side of the dashboard, or in the glove compartment. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-24(a)(1)(i).
$100 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $150 if found guilty after a hearing (Feb 2014 and final text, penalty box for §55-23(a)(1)-(3)). Appearance not required. 2011 text: $50 per violation, at most $100, 2 points, appearance required.
Points
2 in the 2011 and Feb 2014 texts; the final 2016 text lists no points
§55-23(A)(1)(II)Old rule — replaced by 80-24(A)(1)(II)94 charges · 2013–2016
Insurance card not in the vehicle
The for-hire vehicle's insurance card (or a legible copy) must be kept on the right visor, on top of the right side of the dashboard, or in the glove compartment. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-24(a)(1)(ii).
$100 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $150 if found guilty after a hearing (Feb 2014 and final text, penalty box for §55-23(a)(1)-(3)). Appearance not required. 2011 text: $50 per violation, at most $100, 2 points, appearance required.
Points
2 in the 2011 and Feb 2014 texts; the final 2016 text lists no points
In-vehicle license and document rules, all three paragraphs cited
The officer cited all three paragraphs of 55-23(a): registration and insurance card (1), licenses in the holder behind the driver's seat (2), and the black car and limo display exception (3). They share one penalty box. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-24(a).
Replaced by §80-24(a)
Fine (published)
$100 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $150 if found guilty after a hearing (Feb 2014 and final text, penalty box for §55-23(a)(1)-(3)). Appearance not required. 2011 text: $50 per violation, at most $100, 2 points, appearance required.
Points
2 in the 2011 and Feb 2014 texts; the final 2016 text lists no points
§55-23(A)(2)Old rule — replaced by 80-24(A)(2)2,725 charges · 2012–2017
Licenses not displayed in the holder behind the driver's seat
A for-hire driver must display the required licenses in a protective holder attached to the back of the driver's seat, where passengers can see them: the driver's TLC license and, in the 2011–2014 versions, also the for-hire vehicle license. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-24(a)(2).
$100 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $150 if found guilty after a hearing (Feb 2014 and final text, penalty box for §55-23(a)(1)-(3)). Appearance not required. 2011 text: $50 per violation, at most $100, 2 points, appearance required.
Points
2 in the 2011 and Feb 2014 texts; the final 2016 text lists no points
Driver's TLC license not displayed behind the driver's seat — another spelling of §55-23(A)(2)(I) (Driver's TLC license not displayed behind the driver's seat).
§55-23(A)(2)(I)Old rule — replaced by 80-24(A)(2)11,056 charges · 2012–2017
Driver's TLC license not displayed behind the driver's seat
A for-hire driver must display their own TLC for-hire driver license in a protective holder attached to the back of the driver's seat, so passengers can see who is driving. This was one of the most common for-hire document charges. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-24(a)(2).
$100 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $150 if found guilty after a hearing (Feb 2014 and final text, penalty box for §55-23(a)(1)-(3)). Appearance not required. 2011 text: $50 per violation, at most $100, 2 points, appearance required.
Points
2 in the 2011 and Feb 2014 texts; the final 2016 text lists no points
For-hire vehicle license not displayed behind the driver's seat
In the 2011 and 2014 versions, 55-23(a)(2)(ii) required the for-hire vehicle license (the car's TLC license) to be shown in the protective holder behind the driver's seat, next to the driver license. The final 2016 text dropped this item, and Chapter 80's driver rule (80-24(a)(2)) covers only the driver license. Former Chapter 55 rule (for-hire drivers, April 2011 – Oct 25, 2016).
Fine (published)
$100 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $150 if found guilty after a hearing (Feb 2014 and final text, penalty box for §55-23(a)(1)-(3)). Appearance not required. 2011 text: $50 per violation, at most $100, 2 points, appearance required.
Points
2 in the 2011 and Feb 2014 texts; the final 2016 text lists no points
§55-23(A)(3)Old rule — replaced by 80-24(a)(2)(i)480 charges · 2013–2017
Black car or limo licenses not displayed as required
Black cars and luxury limousines did not need the holder behind the driver's seat, but they still had to carry all the required papers and display the driver's TLC license and the vehicle license so they were clearly visible from the passenger seat and available on request. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-24(a)(2)(i).
Replaced by §80-24(a)(2)(i)
Fine (published)
$100 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $150 if found guilty after a hearing (Feb 2014 and final text, penalty box for §55-23(a)(1)-(3)). Appearance not required. 2011 text: $50 per violation, at most $100, 2 points, appearance required.
Points
2 in the 2011 and Feb 2014 texts; the final 2016 text lists no points
§55-23(A)(3)(I)Old rule — replaced by 80-24(a)(2)(i)65 charges · 2015–2016
Black car or limo: holder exception, licenses still required
Part (i) of the black car and limo exception: these vehicles must meet every other document rule in 55-23(a), but need not mount a holder behind the driver's seat for (A) the driver's TLC license and (B) the vehicle license. A charge here means a required item was missing. Former Chapter 55 rule (for-hire drivers, April 2011 – Oct 25, 2016). Today see 80-24(a)(2)(i).
Replaced by §80-24(a)(2)(i)
Fine (published)
$100 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $150 if found guilty after a hearing (Feb 2014 and final text, penalty box for §55-23(a)(1)-(3)). Appearance not required. 2011 text: $50 per violation, at most $100, 2 points, appearance required.
Points
2 in the 2011 and Feb 2014 texts; the final 2016 text lists no points
§55-23(A)(3)(I)(A)Old rule — replaced by 80-24(a)(2)(i)85 charges · 2013–2016
Black car or limo: driver's TLC license not displayed
Item A of the black car and limo exception is the driver's TLC for-hire license. These vehicles did not need the seat-back holder, but the driver license still had to be displayed so it was clearly visible from the passenger seat and available on request. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-24(a)(2)(i).
Replaced by §80-24(a)(2)(i)
Fine (published)
$100 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $150 if found guilty after a hearing (Feb 2014 and final text, penalty box for §55-23(a)(1)-(3)). Appearance not required. 2011 text: $50 per violation, at most $100, 2 points, appearance required.
Points
2 in the 2011 and Feb 2014 texts; the final 2016 text lists no points
Item B of the black car and limo exception is the for-hire vehicle license (the car's TLC license). These vehicles did not need the seat-back holder, but the vehicle license still had to be displayed so it was clearly visible from the passenger seat and available on request. Former Chapter 55 rule (for-hire drivers, April 2011 – Oct 25, 2016). Chapter 80's driver rule no longer lists the vehicle license.
Fine (published)
$100 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $150 if found guilty after a hearing (Feb 2014 and final text, penalty box for §55-23(a)(1)-(3)). Appearance not required. 2011 text: $50 per violation, at most $100, 2 points, appearance required.
Points
2 in the 2011 and Feb 2014 texts; the final 2016 text lists no points
Black car or limo: driver's TLC license not displayed — another spelling of §55-23(A)(3)(I)(A) (Black car or limo: driver's TLC license not displayed).
Black car or limo: vehicle license not displayed — another spelling of §55-23(A)(3)(I)(B) (Black car or limo: vehicle license not displayed).
§55-23(A)(3)(II)Old rule — replaced by 80-24(a)(2)(i)8,930 charges · 2013–2018
Black car or limo licenses not clearly visible to passengers
Part (ii) of the black car and limo exception: even without the seat-back holder, the driver license and vehicle license had to be displayed so they were clearly visible from the passenger seat and available for the passenger to inspect on request. This was a common charge for black car drivers. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-24(a)(2)(i).
Replaced by §80-24(a)(2)(i)
Fine (published)
$100 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $150 if found guilty after a hearing (Feb 2014 and final text, penalty box for §55-23(a)(1)-(3)). Appearance not required. 2011 text: $50 per violation, at most $100, 2 points, appearance required.
Points
2 in the 2011 and Feb 2014 texts; the final 2016 text lists no points
Black car or limo licenses not clearly visible to passengers — another spelling of §55-23(A)(3)(II) (Black car or limo licenses not clearly visible to passengers).
§55-23(A)(II)Code we couldn't match exactly2 charges · 2015
This code reads "55-23(a)(ii)", but 55-23(a) is divided into paragraphs (1) to (3), each with its own items. It most likely means 55-23(a)(2) (licenses in the holder behind the driver's seat) or one of the "(ii)" items: insurance card, vehicle license, or the black-car visibility rule. All were documents a for-hire vehicle had to carry or display. Former Chapter 55 rule (for-hire drivers, April 2011 – Oct 25, 2016).
No trip record for a trip to or from another jurisdiction
If a for-hire vehicle was used for prearranged trips between NYC and a qualified jurisdiction (such as Westchester or Nassau), a trip record as described in 55-21(e) had to be carried in the vehicle. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-24(b).
§55-23(C)Old rule — replaced by 80-24(C)81 charges · 2013–2016
Blocked the passenger's view of the licenses
A for-hire driver must not block a passenger's view of the driver license, the for-hire vehicle license and, in a livery, the Livery Passengers' Bill of Rights. This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today the rule is 80-24(c).
Reserved section in for-hire driver rules (trip records)
Section 55-24 of Chapter 55 was left empty ("Reserved. Vehicle – Trip Records"); there was no for-hire driver rule here. Trip records for for-hire trips were a base and owner duty, and the taxi-driver rule 54-24 covered trip records for yellow and green cabs. The officer may have meant one of those or mistyped the code. Former Chapter 55 rule (for-hire drivers, April 2011 – Oct 25, 2016).
Reserved section in for-hire driver rules (electronic trip records)
Section 55-25 of Chapter 55 was left empty ("Reserved. Vehicle – Electronic Trip Record System"); there was no for-hire driver rule here. The matching taxi-driver rule 54-25 covered the taxi technology system (T-PEP), and 59A-25 is an owner rule. The officer may have meant one of those or mistyped the code. Former Chapter 55 rule (for-hire drivers, April 2011 – Oct 25, 2016).
§55-27(A)Old rule — replaced by 80-27(A)(1)1 charge
Critical Driver Program: too many DMV points
Under the Critical Driver Program, the TLC suspended a for-hire driver's license for 30 days for 6 to 9 DMV points within 15 months, and revoked it for 10 or more. A defensive driving course could cut points (3 in the final version, 2 in earlier ones). This was a rule in the TLC's former Chapter 55 for for-hire drivers (black car, livery and limousine), used from April 2011 until October 25, 2016, when driver rules moved to Chapter 80. Today DMV and TLC points are combined under 80-27(a).
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